Singapore Lions host U23 Azkals in friendly

MANILA, Philippines – Singapore will provide the Philippine Under-23 football team a venue to strut its stuff in place of its missed stint in the 27th Southeast Asian Games as the Lions organize an international friendly to be held for the benefit of victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

The SEAG-bound Singapore U-23 Young Lions will host the "dormant" U23 Azkals on Sunday, 5 p.m., at Hougang Stadium in Singapore.

According to the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), proceeds of ticket sales (SG $20 for admission seats and SG $100 for VIP seats) will be turned over to the Singapore Red Cross to aid its relief efforts following the monster storm in Phl. Donation boxes will also be placed in the Stadium as part of the fund-raiser.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck the Philippines, and the FAS would like to help with the relief efforts in whichever way we can," FAS president Zainudin Nordin said.

"Sports is a strong unifying force and we hope that all our fans would come together as One Singapore not only to show our support for the Under-23 Team, but more importantly to show our solidarity with our neighbors in times of distress. Your generous donations will go a long way in helping the victims re-build their lives,” he added.

Singapore U23 is in the final stages of its preparations for the SEAG. On the other hand, the U23 Azkals are stuck in limbo after failing to get the clearance from the Philippine Olympic Committee to compete in Myanmar. The Pinoy booters had only played one previous international match, a June friendly against the Young Lions in Singapore, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Singaporeans.

“Football is a sport that brings everyone together and it is important for us to lend a helping hand when our close friend is in need,"  Singapore Under-23 coach Aide Iskandar said.

"Through the fund-raising initiative, we hope to utilize the power of the sport and do our part to help the victims and their families. Let us send a strong message to our friends in the Philippines that they are not alone and that we stand in solidarity with them.”